Earlier this month, over two days in Berlin, more than 30 social entrepreneurs from more than 20 countries in Asia and Europe met to discuss how to develop a better policy context for social enterprises in the two continents. The gathering was organised by the British Counciland the Asia Europe Foundation, and sponsored by the government of Japan.
The two days comprised a visit to Berlin social enterprises – Ruby Cupand Fairnopoly – and discussion with their founders about how they operate and are funded; briefings from leading social entrepreneurs such as Penny Newman from the UK and Muhammad Ali of BRAC; and a series of seminars and workshops, aimed at finding a consensus between participants about how policy can support social enterprise in both Asia and Europe.